Lower Back on the Pain Right Side: Causes and Treatment

Most people experience some pain at some point in their lives. Lower back pain on the right side can have several causes, such as injuries, poor posture or sciatica. There are several ways to find pain relief and the right treatment depends on the cause of your pain.

Acute and Chronic Pain

This pain can be acute or chronic. Chronic pain lasts more than three months. The pain can follow an accident or an injury but it can also start suddenly without an obvious cause. General soreness, tension and stiffness in the back are usually called non-specific back pain. It can often go away on its own in a few days or a week. It can be related to sitting or standing for long periods of time, a poor posture, carrying or lifting heavy items or even stress. More severe causes for the pain include bone fractures, slipped disks, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

Sciatica and Back Pain

A typical cause for pain in the lower back that only affects one side of the back is sciatica. Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve that runs from the sacral area through the buttocks and down the back of each of your legs. Sciatica often occurs when the nerve is trapped, for example after an injury or if you have lifted a heavy item incorrectly or too fast. Typical symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back down the back of one leg (it usually affects one leg at a time), a tingling feeling or a feeling of "pins and needles".

Pain Medication

Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medication for back problems. These include pain killers that are also anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, or common painkillers such as paracetamol and aspirin. A doctor can also prescribe medication although some strong pain medicines can be addictive and have unwanted side-effects.

Pain Relief Methods that are Effective

If you visit a doctor because of sciatic pain, your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments can help to release the tension around the trapped nerve. A physiotherapist may use cold and heat treatment, massage or other treatments to relieve sciatic pain. A physiotherapist can also create a home care program that includes stretches and exercises to relieve lower back pain on the right side. Surgery is usually the last option for reliving back pain and it is only used when nothing else helps.

Tips to Fix a Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back Pain - Relief Options - Special Report

Do you wonder if you might have pinched a nerve in your lower back?

Do you want to know what you can do about this back problem?

1.) Introduction

A pinched nerve in your lower back can cause you a lot of pain. Maybe you know this all to well by now. Is it interfering with your ability to go about your day and live a normal life? You can relieve your symptoms and find relief from the pain and suffering and without surgery, too.

To begin, you should know exactly what a pinched nerve is. In regards to the lower back, a pinched nerve identifies the fusion of nerves that extend out of the lower spine. As a result of the compression, in addition to lower pack pain, a person may experience numbness, tingling, and soreness in the affected areas.

2.) Reasons & Symptoms

Pinched nerves can be caused by a variety of reasons. Among those which are generally associated with the condition are osteoarthritis, earlier accidents or injuries, trauma, obesity, stress, the added weight brought on by pregnancy, strenuous activities, and improper posture.

The sciatic nerve is the widest and longest nerve in the human body. It extends from the lower back to the toes, although it changes names along the way. When it is pinched, it can create the following painful symptoms:

Aggravating muscle contractions
Stinging or tingling originating in the lower back and extends all the way down to the toes
Reduced feeling in the feet and ankles
Bursts of pain throughout areas impacted by the sciatic nerve

Typically a pinched nerve affecting the lower back is diagnosed by a doctor after various medical tests which may include x-rays, MRIs, nerve tests, and CT scans.

3.) Fixing the Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back

Quite a few options exist for fixing a pinched nerve in the lower back. The solution prescribed by most physicians is usually based on the cause of the irritation. While surgery is always a last resort because of the complexity involved and the low success rate, there are other options for pain relief like alternating between hot and cold compresses and avoiding positions which cause pain.

Still, the most highly effective, non-surgical method of obtaining pain relief is a back brace. By wearing a brace, an individual with a pinched nerve can alleviate discomfort by restricting the motion of the spine while keeping it in a straight line.

Brace supports have changed over the years; they are no longer rigid, bulky girdles that draw attention to a person's imperfection. These days, back braces are invisibly worn under a blouse or shirt; all the while providing unseen but much needed respite from pain.

Note: Medical advice on back supports should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist.

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatments

Lower back pain during pregnancy - especially during the last trimester - is a very common condition. As your belly grows, the extra weight added to the front of the body can become quite hard on the lower back, since the muscles and ligaments have more work to do to support the body. Back pain in pregnancy can be very uncomfortable, and can affect the woman's sleep patterns and daily activity level. Often this lower back pain an radiate to the upper back, or even shoulders.

What Causes Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy?

The most common and obvious reasons for lower back pain during pregnancy is the added weight being carried in the front as the baby grows. This gradual increase in weight in the belly can put pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments. The added weight in the front can throw off a pregnant woman's posture, which can further complicate matters and cause further pain and discomfort. Many pregnant women in this position tend to try to counter this altered weight distribution by arching their back and putting their pelvis forward in order to offset this imbalance.

Pregnant women may also develop lumbar back discomfort from excessive and prolonged sitting and/or standing. Because of this shift in the distribution of body weight, standing or sitting for too long can aggravate the condition.

It is important for pregnant women who are getting close to their due date to distinguish between lower back pain from muscular tension and actual labor pain. Many women experience "back labor", in which a majority of the pain they feel during all stages of labor is felt predominantly in the back. With general back discomfort, the pain can start from the lumbar area and then spread to the upper back. During labor, the back pain felt will stay near the bottom, and radiate around to the front of the abdominal area.

Treatment and Remedies For Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Treatment for this condition generally involves being conscious of certain postures that are assumed, and adjusting them accordingly. For example, pregnant women really should not be standing for long periods of time, since that added weight in the front will put the back muscles under unnecessary strain. Sitting in a certain position for too long is not a good idea either, unless constant adjustments are made while the pregnant women is sitting. When laying down, it is best to lie on your side in order for the weight to be distributed away from the spine.

If the pain is severe and unbearable, one should seek medical attention for more invasive treatment options.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones - Are You Having Lower Back Pain

The presence of kidney stones can be a severely painful experience for somebody going through a kidney stone attack. It can be difficult to self diagnose if you do not know the symptoms that accompany a kidney stone attack. There can be many reasons for you to have kidney stone and if you are one of the people more prone to the ailment you should be careful and try to prevent the condition. You should also know the symptoms of kidney stone so that if you experience any symptoms you can get yourself treated as soon as possible.

An early detection of this disease can help a patient prevent further more serious problems to the urinary tract. If you think you have kidney stones be sure to consult your doctor, who will guide you as to the best course of treatment available to you. It is not necessary that everyone going through kidney stone problems will have the same symptoms; a sufferer can get any combination of general symptoms, or in some cases all symptoms together. Be sure to be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms which generally affect a person with this disease.

The main symptom for stones in the kidney is pain in the lower back area or the pelvic. This pain can range from dull pain to severe pain depending on the size of the stone. The pain can become excruciating if a stone is blocking the ureter and stopping liquids from passing through. Sometimes painkillers will provide temporary relief, but this kind of pain should not be ignored, treatment should be provided at the earliest.

The presence of blood in the urine is another symptom of kidney stones, especially if accompanied by pain in the lower back and pelvic area. If you are suffering from pain observe the urine, you might be able to see signs of blood in it or the urine could be an unusual color. This is also a sign for alarm that should not be ignored.

Another symptom of it is difficulty urinating, if you find urinating a painful experience or feel a burning sensation during or after urination, consult your doctor, this could be due to damage caused by a stone in the ureter or even due to a blockage of the ureter due to a stone.

A urinary tract infection caused by stones in the kidney can make you feverish and cause chills, this is a sign of an infection in the body and it is very likely that stones in the kidney are causing the infection.

These are some major signs and symptoms of a lingering stone in the kidney problem; you could be experiencing any of the above stated symptoms or a combination of some of the symptoms. You should know your body and should consult a doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Getting treatment at the earliest is the best thing you can do for yourself if you are suffering from any medical problems.

Homeopathy For People Experiencing Back Pain and Sciatica

This is the fifth and final article I've written on homeopathy and musculoskeletal conditions. My previous articles were on rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, gout, and finally tendinitis and bursitis.

This article will cover the topic of back pain, sciatica, and how homeopathy can help people experiencing it. I'll first document the nature of back pain and suggest lifestyle changes one can implement to relieve their pain. I will also describe the etiology and signs of sciatica. Then I'll cover how homeopathy works with people experiencing this condition. This will be followed by recommendations of a few homeopathic remedies that may help.

Back pain can occur in the upper back, mid-back, and low back. It affects approximately 80% of Americans at some point in their lives. This staggering number also makes back pain one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work and disability claims. What makes back pain so common in our culture?

There are several risk factors associated with having low back pain that are common circumstances in our culture. Some risk factors you can do something about include:

• Infrequent or inadequate exercise


• Sedentary lifestyle (less than 30 minutes of activity daily)


• The nature of your job (that involves long periods of sitting, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, bending and twisting motions, or constant vibration that occurs with using heavy machinery).


• Smoking (believe it or not, smoking increases the risk for low back pain)


• Being overweight (as a result from poor physical condition, weak back and abdominal muscles, and minimal flexibility)


• Poor posture


• Stress (chronic stress induces chronic tensing of muscles)


• Taking medications chronically that may weaken bones, such as corticosteroids

What can you do about low back pain? For starters, get active! Begin getting at least 30 minutes of moderate, light-intensity activity on a daily basis. This could include brisk walking, stair climbing versus taking elevators, playing sports at a moderate intensity, etc. Implementing routine strengthening and stretching exercises related to your low back and abdominal muscles will also help. If you are overweight, implement healthy dietary changes to lose weight and sustain it.

Sciatica is a form of back pain that refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and sciatic spinal nerve roots together. This extremely painful condition is brought on by some form of trauma, degeneration (arthritis or bone spurs), or rupture (herniated disc) in the back.

Signs and symptoms of sciatica include:

• Severe, sharp pain that radiates from the sciatic nerve down the leg and to the foot


• Pains may be intermittent (off and on) or continuous


• Numbness and tingling of the skin supplied by the affected nerve.


• Low back pain


• Inability to stand or sit on account of the pain


• Radiating pain may go down the legs and in the buttocks, thighs, or calves.


• Weakness in legs

Homeopathic treatment is very effective at helping people experiencing sciatica. Its role will be to assist in increasing muscle tone, improving general health, and decreasing inflammation of muscles and nerves. Because homeopaths view health as a condition of the entire individual, rather than in terms of isolated symptoms from specific locations of the body, sciatic pain is just one aspect a homeopath will need to know in order to help you. That said, below is a list of homeopathic remedies and their indications for various aspects of sciatica and back pain. For comprehensive and individualized care, please contact me.

Belladonna: Sudden onset of severe low back pain or sciatica. Pain is so severe that it prevents any movement. Pain is worse from motion, being jarred, mis-stepping, from the direct pressure of laying on it, and from long sitting. Generally affects the right side more than the left.

Calcarea Carbonica: Low back pain from the slightest exertion, especially lifting. Back feels weak; person easily slumps in the chair. Worse from the cold, damp weather; from lifting; exerting; or ascending (stairs).

Kali Carbonicum: Low back pain that drives them out of bed at night. Worse at night, often at 2 or 3 am; also from the cold or drafts. Usually affects the right side. Pains that extend into the buttocks or into the sole of the foot.

Nux Vomica: Severe sciatica down either leg with great sensitivity and is often accompanied with anger. Worse in the morning that worsens the longer they stay in bed; from the cold; from turning in the bed. Better from heat.

Tellurium: Severe pains that travel down the sacrum and into the sciatic nerve and thigh. Worse from coughing; laughing; sneezing; when pressing during stool; anything that induces the valsalva maneuver (forcible exhalation against a closed airway).

In this fifth and final article on homeopathy and musculoskeletal disorders, I covered the topic of back pain and sciatica. I covered important lifestyle changes one can make to relieve low back pain, I described the etiology and symptoms for sciatica, and suggested several homeopathic remedies that may help people who experience this condition.

Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Noel Peterson

Useful Tips On How To Get Rid Of Lower Back Pain

Pain in the lower part of the spine may be caused by various diseases, sleeping in the wrong position, or due to other causes. Causes can include general injuries, sports injuries, and even by catching a cold. However, you can rid yourself of back pain very easily. In this article, I will provide you with very useful tips on how to get rid of lower back pain.

Firm Support

If you suffer from lower back pain, you must follow certain rules that will help you to eliminate the aching of the spine. It is recommended to sleep on a more firm mattress. It is easy to accomplish this by placing a sheet of plywood underneath the mattress. The wood should be approximately 15 to 20 mm in thickness for the best results.

Protection from the Elements

Various illnesses can cause back pain, including the common cold. Pain can radiate into the spinal column. A few tips are important to eliminate back discomfort. When walking outside be sure you are wearing sufficient clothing to provide protection from the elements. Wear a scarf to cover the face during windy, cold days. Also, it is a good idea to wear proper footwear to keep the feet warm and protected.

Load Limitations

Another great way to eliminate back issues is to limit the amount of load you are placing on the spinal column. Use a two-man lift when moving heavy items. Two people are always better than one when lifting big objects. If you are carrying heavy sacks of groceries, work to distribute the weight evenly between the arms. This will provide an even weight distribution and help in minimizing trauma to the spine.

Regular Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis is always important to improving spinal strength. It is highly recommended to do physical activity, such as walking, at least 30 minutes each day. Stretching before the exercise session is equally important to prevent injuries. It should be done gently and slowly.

To do morning exercises, you will need to wake earlier in the day. Make sure not to do any sudden movement which will further your pain. When you begin exercising, you may experience some soreness. Through each exercise session, you should see a gradual decrease in this respect.

Well-balanced Meals

Another tip for preventing recurring back pain is to eat a well-balanced diet which is lower in fat and rich in vitamins. Add fresh fruits and veggies to your daily food selections. Avoid the use of alcohol as much as possible. Eating foods which are steamed, or boiled, are better than fried. For the most optimal results, eat foods in their freshest forms (raw) when feasible.

Monitoring Back Pain

If you are suffering from back pain, it is important to monitor the situation. Take it easy and be sure you are getting plenty of rest. When you are able to begin exercising again, start slowly to prevent aggravation to the condition. Also, be sure you are gaining valuable nutrition through healthy eating patterns.

Constant Motion

The musculoskeletal system of the human is designed for near constant movement. During movements, you should use correct posture techniques. To test for true posture, stand next to a wall and see if you have five points touching the wall. If you do, then you are exhibiting the correct posture.

Swimming is a constant motion which can aid the body in becoming pain free. Swimming is recommended three times each week to gain full body benefits. Water aerobics is also a great option for those who suffer from back and joint pain. Joining a local class will allow proper instruction in exercise presentation.

Conclusion

Here, you have learned some valuable tips to relieve and minimize back pain. When used on a regular basis, these tips will provide effective results. Consider your daily habits and how they may affect the health of the spine. Making simple changes can bring comfort and allow you to live free from pain!

Causes of Cold Weather Back Pain

Whether you have chronic back pain or pain that comes and goes, you may notice that the pain is worse in cold weather. While an exact causal link between increased pain and cold weather has not been found by the scientific community, the fact of this connection is certain. Cold weather back pain is common among people with arthritis, but it can also occur due to increased muscle tension.

Muscle Tension

When we open our doors to a frigid winter day, we tend to distort our posture and tense up our muscles to cope with the cold. This is usually done unconsciously for a couple of reasons. First, when your muscles contract, they burn energy which is released as heat. Tensing up, then, is a natural bodily response to cold. Shivering occurs when muscles rapidly contract and relax to release energy (heat) fast.

You may also notice that, in the cold, you tend to drop your head and raise your shoulders, which causes your hips to tuck under and your lower back to flatten out. You're trying to share your shoulders' body heat with your neck and ears. This is a natural reaction, but a reaction that distorts posture throughout your back and pelvis.

Sore necks, shoulders and lower backs in the winter indicate muscular tension. If you have widespread muscle soreness when it's cold out, this is likely a sign that your apparel is not suited to your climate. It is important to have a winter hat that covers your ears and a scarf to cover your neck. These, combined with self-awareness, will help to prevent postural distortion. Your muscles will still automatically tense up to stay warm if the rest of your outfit isn't warm enough. If you can't find a heavy-duty coat within your budget, rely on layering. A good pair of long underwear will help keep both your lower and upper body protected from the cold. Being conscious of your posture and muscle tenseness can help you relieve cold weather back pain.

Osteoarthritis

If you tend to have joint pain and stiffness that worsens with inactivity and cold weather, you may have osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis affects various parts of the body, including the spine. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions spinal joints wears down, causing friction, inflammation and sometimes the formation of bone spurs that can impinge nerves.

Cold weather doesn't cause osteoarthritis; it can, however, exacerbate it. Along with cartilage breakdown, osteoarthritis entails inflammation of the synovium, which lines the joint and excretes a lubricant called synovial fluid. As cartilage hardens and wears, the synovium can become inflamed. The prevailing theory on the link between cold weather and increased osteoarthritic pain is that the synovium is sensitive to barometric pressure. When barometric pressure drops, as when foul weather is coming in, the synovium becomes inflamed. This worsens the stiffness and pain surrounding arthritic joints. This theory has its issues; it has led to inconsistent results in research and barometric pressure is not necessarily low when it is cold, but does indicate precipitation and storms. More research into this is needed before an exact link between joint pain and cold weather is understood.

That said, there are still ways to alleviate the extra burden the cold places on your joints. One of the aggressors of arthritic pain, as said above, is inactivity, and one of the best ways to exercise with osteoarthritis is in the water. A warm pool can do wonders for your joints year-round, and especially when it's cold outside. It is also important to be aware of the above muscular cause of winter back pain, as tight muscles in conjunction with stiff, sore joints will exacerbate your pain.

Take care of your muscles and joints during the cold season. Appropriate apparel, self-awareness and indoor exercise could be enough to ease your back pain this winter.